Monday, February 1, 2016

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Whether you’re looking to correct orthodontic relapse or are undergoing braces for the first time, fully understanding your orthodontic options can ensure that you receive the right treatment for your needs. When weighing your braces options, consider the following factors:

The Condition of Your Bite
For patients with severe bite or jaw misalignment, the clear aligning trays used by Invisalign® may not be enough to effectively treat these advanced dental conditions. As traditional braces use a series of metal brackets and wires that are manually adjusted by your orthodontist on a monthly basis, this more comprehensive treatment option may be the better method of comprehensively addressing these treatment issues.

In contrast, patients with minor crowding or rotation may find the comprehensive nature of traditional braces to be unnecessary. For these individuals, Invisalign® may provide a less invasive treatment option.

Patient Diligence vs. Convenience
Part of the appeal of Invisalign® comes from the ability to remove the aligners independently, eliminating the number of required visits. While this feature certainly improves the convenience of treatment, this also requires greater patient diligence to a more regimented treatment plan. In order for patients to achieve their ideal results, individuals must be committed to wearing their aligning trays for a minimum 22 hours per day, removing them for cleaning and before eating or drinking anything other than water. With this in mind, Invisalign® is often reserved for adult patients that are able to stick with this more structured treatment plan.

Treatment Experience
While traditional braces have come a long way in regards to appearance and materials, they are not necessarily known as the most comfortable treatment option. As this system uses metal brackets and wires to correct tooth alignment, patients may experience soft tissue irritation and tooth discomfort. Additionally, patients with metal braces are required to maintain a more restrictive diet that avoids sticky, hard foods in order to prevent the braces from breaking.

On the other hand, Invisalign® uses clear plastic aligners to gently move the teeth. As these trays as custom-made to each smile, patients do not experience the same irritation associated with traditional braces. As the aligners are clear, Invisalign® provides patients with a more aesthetic treatment options that is virtually unnoticeable. For adult patients that are looking to discreetly correct alignment issues, the clear nature of Invisalign® makes the treatment an ideal, professional treatment option.

Invisalign® in San Jose
At Willow Glen Dentistry, our team is committed to helping patients determine the right treatment solution for their smile. For patients looking to discreetly improve the alignment of their teeth, San Jose dentist Dr. John Pisacane offers Invisalign®. To learn more about this clear alternative to braces, contact our practice today.


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